The
community of Lake Cowichan is a growing, vibrant community of
approximately 3,000 people, with an additional 3,500 people in
the nearby surrounding area.
The
community, situated on Cowichan Lake, is 20 minutes east of Duncan,
with the beautiful Cowichan River flowing through the center of
town. Nearby communities are within easy reach by road, and have
access to scenic Cowichan Lake, one of the largest fresh-water
lakes on Vancouver Island.
Secondary
roadways provide access to Port Renfrew, Nitinat and Bamfield,
which are the trailheads for the West Coast Trail unit of the
Pacific rim National Park Reserve and the old growth forests of
Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park.
Photos:
the Town of Lake Cowichan
Past
Cowichan Lake's eastern shoreline is some of the most spectacular
outdoor adventures available on Vancouver Island. From the town,
the forests of the Carmanah-Walbarn are only 2 1/2 hours away,
and Gordon Bay Provincial Park is less than a half-hour away with
great camping available. The area's temperate climate makes the
Cowichan Lake region ideal for outdoor activities all year round.
The
26 mile long lake has excellent trout fishing, water sports, boating,
camping, houseboating and swimming - a marina, and boat launch
are also available.
Around
Lake Cowichan's shore is a network of nature walks. The Trans
Canada Trail's two routes on former railway lines out of Lake
Cowichan follow the Cowichan River into the Duncan Area. One goes
north of the Cowichan River to the Duncan Area and then north
to Nanaimo. The other goes south of the Cowichan River to the
Duncan Area, then goes west of the Malahat Range to Sooke and
then onto Victoria, BC. The later intersects with some of the
provincial parks on the Cowichan River and the historical Cowichan
River Footpath. The Cowichan Valley Demonstration Forest, located
along the lake, also provides an outdoor classroom of forest management.
Accommodation/Adventure
Providers
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City
Information
The
Cowichan Lake area usually experiences warm, dry summers and mild
wet winters. Over 85 per cent of rainfall occurs between October
and April with December being the wettest month. July is the sunniest
month with 235 hours, while August is generally the warmest with
an average daily temperature of 25 C.
Nearby
communities Youbou
is nestled on the sunny side of the lake and provides both mountain
and lake activities. Honeymoon Bay is situated on the south arm
of Cowichan Lake and boasts an average summer maximum temperature
of over 24 degrees C, the highest in Canada. Mesachie Lake is
home to a BC Forest Research Station. Visitors can easily access
trails planted with trees in various stages of growth. An identifying
guide to trees in the area can be found on the wooden map at the
park on Bear Lake Road. Caycuse is a former logging camp and copper
mine on the south shore of Cowichan Lake. This was once an active,
bustling community.
Photos:
the Town of Lake Cowichan
Events
Annual events to take in include the Great Lake Walk, the Salmon
and Mushroom Festival and the Jetski and Bathtub Races. The visitor
information centre at Saywell Park is open in the summer. Be sure
to check with visitor information about logging activity and logging
road etiquette.
The
Cowichan Lake Tourist Info-Centre is housed in Saywell Park in
the heart of the Town of Lake Cowichan. Behind the Info-Centre
are the Kaatza Station Museum and Historic Bell Tower School.
Ample parking and a covered picnic area are available for the
use of both residents and visitors alike. Saywell Park is adjacent
to the Cowichan River.
For
Information: Contact
the Infocentre:
Telephone:(250) 749-3244
Fax: (250) 749-0187
Email: info@lakecowichan.ca
Tourism
Association of Vancouver Island
#203-335 Wesley Street, Nanaimo, B.C. V9R 2T5
Telephone (250) 754-3500 • Fax (250) 754-3599
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